Here's the updated links for those who were asking. (Thanks for letting me know some of them were not working.) 🔴🔴 Honey Hog Rub (Meat Church): amzn.to/2Wfwqsv * ✅✅ Acorn Jr (little red cooker): amzn.to/2T9Hg1v ✅✅ A better meat thermometer tinyurl.com/tyo8x5r ✅✅ Best Instant read thermometer tinyurl.com/yxc525qj ✅✅ Kick Ash Basket (pick the size for your cooker): amzn.to/2WtmbkG

@BabyBackManiac

3 жыл бұрын

​@@DM-sg3cj The website price doesn't include shipping which the tacked on at the end and the amazon price is typically 14.99. Prices bounce around on amazon. Sometimes it's as low as 9.99.

@staycation0923

3 жыл бұрын

@@BabyBackManiac I would love a comparison video against, KJ, BGE and weber Summit!

@davidschmelz8061

3 жыл бұрын

Why did you go with the Akorn junior, vs the full sized Akorn? Seems like that would have been a more honest comparison to the other Kamados.

Man I absolutely love your camera work!!! Always so consistent bro.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Dawgfatha's BBQ. I really appreciate that.

I so love your videos! Informative AND funny!!! Keep'em coming!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Will do, Mark.

Keep making videos brother man, love you style. So informational!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry I'm just getting back to you. been sick. Thank you.

The production quality of your videos is excellent brother. Keep up the good work!

Great video! Totally enjoyed your review. Thank you!

Such an outstanding production, brother! You never disappoint!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother.

I Neeeeevvvvveeerr leave a comment, but I had to say - loved your video. Genuine, unpretentious, and great quality. Subscribed.

I really enjoy your videos man, great sense of humor. I stocked up on Weber Brikets as soon as I saw your IG post.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Sorry I'm late on this. I've been sick. Glad you got in on the deal

Wasn’t expecting for you to say the acorn jr was your favorite, but that’s cool. Really good job on your video man, your B-roll is legit!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I wasn't expecting it either. I just call it like I see it.

@JC-fj7oo

5 жыл бұрын

@@BabyBackManiac That actually makes sense for this test; the acorn is a budget smoker and they probably designed it with more of an average-Joe in mind. Someone who might only be able to find/afford a bag of briquettes and lighter fluid... The BGE manual basically says "if you can afford a 1200 dollar grill, you can get a bag of lump charcoal and a chimney starter. "

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

That logic would make sense except the 5K dollar komodo kamado is designed to burn Kingsford as well. lol.

I've never watched your videos until now, I like your humor! :)

Justin, you do some great editing on your videos and I love your sense of humor.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Chad. I really appreciate it.

Awesome test Justin... loved the aluminum foil clip 😂 I'll give you a link for thick aluminumfoil

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

lol. Thanks Roel

Great job man ! Thanks for the info!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Tom!

I was planning on upgrading my akorn that I've had since 2015, however after this video I believe its worth keeping especially considering how great of condition the complete unit is in thanks to keeping the optional cover on it between cooks. I strictly use misquite lump mostly from winco, what is the longest cook you have done on a char griller Akorn without adding more fuel? What was your temp if you can remember? How does that compare with the ungodly expensive ceramic units? Thanks for a great video and some perspective

great comparison Justin! I've always wondered how the briquettes would do in the ceramic cookers it looks like they did fine! great video

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Yep. No issues at all. Thanks Jeff

Cool comparison man! Great job

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank's man.

“Not sponsored.... who would pay for this?” HAHAHA 😂😂😂 Absolutely savage!!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

lol. It's gotten to the point where every video I make people accuse me of being "secretly sponsored" if I don't specifically say they are aren't Weird, I know.

@jimburch7318

4 жыл бұрын

Whatever

I enjoy your vids and learn a lot. Thanks for making your videos.

Gotta say, the slapstick moment with the foil was cracking me up! Nice work, man. Got a sub from me

You got snow and I didn't get any pictures of it? Come'on man? LOL I'll take some of that pulled pork off your hands!!!! Great comparison video Justin! Love ya bro!!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

What can I say, it was cold out there. you know I forget to take video of weather unless you are there to remind me. lol

@thirstbuster78

5 жыл бұрын

T-ROY COOKS Ive got truckloads up here in Canada. All yours :)

@jorgelopez9620

5 жыл бұрын

Love me some t roy

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Me too @Jorge! Very funny, @Dunning-Kruger

Hello, great video for the ones (like me) shopping around for a solid grill/smoker to go with! Lots of useful info, thank you!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure man. Thanks for watching.

Awesome review man! Thanks!!!!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Orlando. Glad you enjoyed it.

Looked like a tiring experiment Justin. Wow! Great job. Those Acorns are great units too! Great bang for the not so many bucks!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

lol. I was exhausted. Thanks for watching. yeah, those Akorns are great for the pice.

love the way you do the vids,no lie ive learned good bit from them. ps..what you sippin on?

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

It was cold and early...coffee. lol

Great presentation ! You seem very comfortable and articulate! Really enjoyed this video!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave. I really appreciate that.

NICE!! Love it

Fantastic video Justin! I bought a bag of Kingsford "Lump" with the intent on trying it out in a ceramic. Maybe one of these days I'll get to it. :)

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I'm sure your kamado will blow up. Don't do it. ;-)

This is a DAMN DAMN DAMN GOOD VIDEO.

Well made video, with some amazing camera shots!

Always enjoy your helpful videos. I have been cooking on a Weber grills for 45 years. Love them!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Very cool.They make fantastic grills. Have a great weekend Steve

Thanks for the review. And thanks for being so honest! Ill follow you brother. Awesome

Loved your video (first time viewer). Watching cause I just ordered an Akorn Jr. It’s my first grill of that type, how do you like it? Definitely paid attention to your comments on it during the start.

Watched this on my Roku TV while I was hungry - big mistake lol. This video plays like it was on the FoodNetworkTV, awesome quality, awesome food, big thumbs up, terrific video, thank you!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter. I was going to call you today but I'm sick as a dog and lost my voice. If I'm better by Tuesday I'm driving to Oklahoma and would love to catch up.

Looks amazing! I don’t have a Kamado yet, and I was wondering if the grill temp probe wire holds up when when run under the lid? Does that cause any air leakage at all? Thanks for the great videos!

That cleaning tip was amazing! I will use that going forward. Everyone pay close attention.

What’s your preference between the big joe and the primo? I have a joe classic but need more grill space. Found a used primo xl for $800 or debating just getting a brand new big joe. Thoughts ?? Any help would be appreciated.

Man Justin your videos ALWAYS raise the bar. Excellent job once again. That’s enough pulled pork for the KZread community lol. Also off topic what do you think is good for editing videos? Sorry had to ask your opinion lol.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry I just now saw this. I got sick right after this uploaded. I use Final Cut Pro exclusively. It's made by apple. I don't even know how to use another tool but I know Troy really like Premier pro. You have to lease it monthly so it's more expensive than Final Cut but that's what all the windows pro users usually use.

What an awesome video, while the cook may have been boring I sure loved watching the process and your creativity in how to tell a story.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian. I really appreciate that, man.

I love my Acorn Jr but have never tried to use briquettes with it. Great video, thanks for sharing!

Great vid as always. That pork looked great! Also surprised by the Acorn.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

It would fit on a fire escape. ;-)

Interesting comparison! You're approaching 50k!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I know man. My dad would be so excited.

Cracked me up .... "this is not a sponsored video...obviously - 'cos who would pay for this" lol Great video - interesting results

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Wayne. I have this weird problem where people actually bash me for not disclosing sponsors of videos that don't have sponsors. I actually get more name calling for that than when I actually DO sponsored videos and disclose the sponsors. So part of that was a joke and part of it was self defense. lol

Great video as alway! Thanks for the XR-50 love!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave. It’s a great therm

Great cook as usual Justin, I love the wind and foil that was funny. Guess me and the wife will have to drive down from Tennessee and help you eat all that pork LOL. Weber charcoal works really well they just need to lower the price some! Thanks for the video you always make us laugh!!!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

lol. Thanks Duane. Yeah, they need to get that price down.

Your videos just keep getting better! One reason I bought the Summit is it can burn both briquettes and lump, but your experiment proves briquettes can be used in ceramic kamados. I love the Weber briquettes, especially with the recent sale. BTW, what kind of tumbleweed starters do you use, and do you like them better than the Weber cube starters?

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I like them better than the Weber because they weber's are more messy. I think I'm using the actual tumbleweeds.

Great video as always Justin!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you I really appreciate that.

Great video. I've had my full size Akorn for almost 5 years now. It's showing it's age (probably need to take it all apart and replace the hardware this spring) but it still cooks like an absolute champ. I will absolutely get another one once I can't refurb my original, and will keep an eye out for an Akorn Jr.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

They're really nice cookers for the price and they last a long time if you keep water out of them.

@doddgarger6806

4 жыл бұрын

I found a very important mod with them you have to do if it sees any rain Have to drill a small hole in the bottom of the ash pan both layers to allow it to drain ive seen lots of them rust out because of this I take better care of mine than that had my jr for 5 yrs probably still perfect

wow, never thought of cleaning my cookers.. mind is blown love your channel man

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Lol

Just found you - love the vids!!

You’re a real dude ,.. Subscribed 👌

Great vid as always! What are you spraying on the meat? is it just reg water? For the tenderness?

Brother I want to thank u so much..I’m in Home Depot 2 days ago looking for a planter for my indoor herb garden.. lo and behold I look up at the pallets stacked all the way up top and I see them like a pallet full of gold..it was half a pallet of Weber charcoal they never brought down..I begged the guy on fork lift to bring it down for me told him it was on sale..I took 10 bags brother at 3.90 a piece..didn’t take mor cause they were torn but may go back for those too. Lol.i live in a nyc apartment brother now I hve use of a yard where it is that I keep my grills but I hve no storage so basically I hve charcoal under my mattress right now.. lol..thank u thank u once again

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Lol. That's awesome! Congratulations on the score!

As always great video Justin!! Scott

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott. I appreciate it

Love your videos Justin- The toys you have~ wow ! Not in this episode but LOVE that Lone Star Grillz smoker !

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I love that thing. I don't know how they are going to dig a hole that big but when I die I want to be buried in it. (ok, that's weird but you get the idea.)

This was great! Been wanting to upgrade my Akorn Jr to a kamado Joe but this got me thinking that the grass maybe isn't all that greener on the other side 😂

For your Akorn, what do you use under the grate the meat is on? Did you purchase the "Smokin' Stone"? Are these extra accessories for blocking heat necessary to do this type of low and slow cooking? If you have something there, do you suggest a foil pan underneath to collect drippings? I guess I'm just curious, what is your set up down there??

“Not a sponsored video, because who would pay for this” 😂😂😂

Well shoot, I have none of those but still watched and maybe one day. Great job Justin!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching anyways. lol.

Man i love these videos 😁

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

2 questions, I see you rubbed again partway through the cook? That something you do a lot? (never tried it)... also, what starter was that you used for your charcoal? Thanks!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

It's called a tumbleweed. I like them. No I don't always add rub later.

I’ve had the Acorn jr for about 4yrs now and I absolutely love it. People are always amazed at my grilling on it.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

It’s a great cooker...especially for the price .

Superb quality video. Thanks

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much I'm really glad you enjoyed it

Great video as always Justin. Got a question, and it's just me being naive to different forms over BBQ. But what's benefit to using a ceramic smokers as opposed to a say Weber Kettle or PBC? Maybe that would be a cool comparison video. And if you've already done it, sorry if I missed it. Have a good one brother. Cheers

@matthewtieszen2569

5 жыл бұрын

I cant speak for maniac's experience but switching over from a 20" Weber to a Big Joe I've found it easier to maintain temps, fuel/coal consumption is less allowing for a longer cook before having to add more/adjust/etc. However, for me, it takes longer to get to temperature in the Kamado. But it is also a much larger grill.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, most of it is the stuff Matthew said. The other thing is there is a lot more temperature range. The PBC only runs at one temperature. The kettle has a much narrower range. The kamados will go from 180 to over 1000. On the flip size the PBC and kettle are way more durable and portable. Honestly, it's like automobiles. A motorcycle, honda, or dump truck will all get you were you want to go...they just do it differently.

More content! Love it!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

New to your channel. Thank you for doing this review. My son & I was just talking about what you can & can't use to cook with these types grills.

@BabyBackManiac

3 жыл бұрын

I know this is late but I just saw this. Thanks for stopping by, Angie.

Awesome video, as always. I love my baby Akorn. They don't last me very long between traveling, tailgating, and lots of use, but I just buy a new one every year or so. Great little cooker for the money! I've done all night cooks with briquettes in my larger kamado, and it works fine as long as I keep the ash pot clean.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I'm starting to love this thing more and more.

Couldn't help but notice the hat, it's been a rough few years! Great video!

How do you not have more subs? This is great!

Wow you just saved me a couple hundred bucks lol thanks for the video

@BabyBackManiac

2 жыл бұрын

Any time!

Excellent video.... enjoyed the comparison.... and the pork looked great ! Thanks for sharing Brother ♨️👍😎

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, man

I have the Akorn jr and I absolutely love it. In fact, I got rid of all other smokers after buying mine. Only complaint I had was how short it is so I went to Lowe’s, bought some 1-1/2 diameter round table legs, pushed them up into the three hollow Akorn legs and now it’s about belly/chest high. I highly recommend the Akorn!

i need to buy one of these ceramic grills, wanna keep costs down. I dont need a large one but would like to smoke ribs/brisket. What do you recommend best bang for the buck?

You are so funny! Give us more of that! Greez from Switzerland

Great comparison! I was only able to get 8 bags of the charcoal, so I will use that in my kettle, but good to know I can use in my Big Joe! Thanks for sharing!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Same experience w my Kamado Joe w/Kick Ash Basket...love the consistency of briquettes! Also, thanks again for the review on the Kamado Joe, your vid was my tipping point!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pat, I appreciate you watching.

GREAT CHANNEL! Any idea where I can get a cover for the acorn jr?

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I feel like I've seen them at Lowes occasionally. You might try the chargriller website.

If not the best, at least top 5 cooking channel on KZread.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mack. I really appreciate that.

Even tho its a boring test. I like watching stuff like this.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dallin. I appreciate it.

Just found this channel while doing a little research because I'm thinking about getting a kamado. Great content, and you seem like a great guy. I'm subscribed!

Just found your channel...enjoyed your content 👍👍

They real mvp in this video is your wife for talking them down an getting a deal like that 😂😂

F**K! I have one of the Australian sold Akorns, had it 2 and a bit years, love it, cost me $500AUD....$37 argh!!! recently cooked a 3.5kg pork butt on it, just bloody magic mate :) Love your cooking man, gives us mere mortals something to aspire too ;)

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, Oggz. Yeah, it was a great deal. Love that my wife found that.

Kamado Land, where all butts are equal. Nice job giving us a comparison cook. Just goes to show a good Pitmaster can give you a good plate of pulled pork cooked on anything. Want to see that Summit and LSG in action.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Phil. Coming soon...

That music @ 4:59...so gangsta! I love your channel.

G’day Justin and greetings from Tasmania Australia, enjoyed watching the comparisons between each grill using those heat beads as we call them down here. I have subscribed to your channel after buying a KamadoJoe Classic 2 and I go back over your previous videos as they are very helpful, kind regards John.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching John. Really happy to have you here

@johnkinnane547

5 жыл бұрын

Baby Back Maniac thanks for replying back to me, you have a lot of experience and your easy yo follow both with recipes and equipment reviews which is very helpful to an old bloke like me thanks again Justin. John

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

@@johnkinnane547My pleasure, man.

Another great video. Thank for sharing!! Can I ask you what you think of the XR-50, now that you’ve lived with it for a while? I’m in the market for a thermometer and like the 4 inputs.

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry I'm late on this. Got bronchitis right after uploaded this. There is a Link in the description box if you want to check out. No thermometer is perfect but It's my favorite. I wish there was a way to turn off the beeps on the handset so when I check the temps at night (turn on the backlight) I won't wake up my wife. and I wish they would have plugs so it could be waterproof without all for plugs in. That said, the extra range (through walls) and the 4 probes and the way you can hang or use a magnet in addition to the stand on the units are huge for me. Again, sorry late on this.

@ggggggcaipad

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for replying. Absolutely no need to apologize . I appreciate the feedback on the XR-50. It really looks like the thermometer for me. The 4 inputs are really the deal clincher. Too bad about the bronchitis. I hope you’re feeling much better.

Was that a catch pan under the grate or where you adding waster like a broiler? New to all this but thinking about a Komodo

Happy New Year! Great Video! My only question is the time for each (BGE v KJ v A v P) - did they all finish around the same time? (because each had a different fuel level...versus heat efficiency).

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Yep. the small ones finished about 45 minutes after the big ones.

Awesome stuff!!! I may have missed it but I am watching this on low volume in the middle of the night while taking care of the baby 😬. How does the Akron Jr. handle a deflector? Did you make one homemade and if so what does it consist of? Or do they make a deflector and used a stock one?

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

The deflector itself is a pie pan in the rack is something that used when sealling jars. I can’t remember the name of it. Sorry. It was definitely homebrew though

Enjoyed the video as always. Maybe I missed it, but what was the temp of your smokers? I know you said the Acorn went up from 225-400F but what was the temp you wanted? Also, I’m wondering to what temp did you cook the meat? Thanks!!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

I was shooting for 250-ish. I usually don't cook for temp with pork butt. I probe it and when it's tender I pull it out. But that's usually around 200

Good video like the video effects. Do more

Thank you, it was great!!!!1

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tommy. I appreciate it.

Good vid, I have the big Acorn and love it, it is several years old, I replaced the gaskets w felt looking gaskets that I got off amazon and it helped the control of the temps much better.. For the price the Acorn cannot be beat and even not considering the price it’s a great kamado! Thanks for sharing. W

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah it’s a great cooker for the money

Great video. Cheers mate

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Dan

Love the videos, been watching them all , trying to figure out what grill to get .. NEED HELLLP picking the right thing... What do you recommend for Smoking/ Searing and able to fit a brisket ... and i dont really want to spend 2k on a Big Joe.. was really leaning towards the Joe or egg, but dont think i can justify the price, and have been now thinking webber 26/kettle ..... also dont want to be out every 20 minutes adding fuel....so what do you recommend

@handcannon1388

5 жыл бұрын

I've done a couple full packer briskets on my 22" kettle with a SNS, and they come out fine. I usually seem to get 8-9 hours at 225 before having to add fuel. You can also just take the meat in and finish it in the oven after you wrap it; it makes zero difference in the final product. A new 22" (provided you don't already own one) and the SNS will likely run around $250.

@srt10venomous

5 жыл бұрын

@@handcannon1388 Thanks, I have only had gas grills in the past but could never get into using it that much.. But I do feel the switch to charcoal where i can smoke briskets, jerky etc. will bring back some love for the bbq... Currently i have no bbq as mine died.. been watching videos for 3 weeks now and each week i find something else i like.. But at this point i think you are right and the webber is the way to go.. Thanks for the advice..

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

The Weber is definitely the way to go in this situation. I would get the 26 if you ever plan on cooking for more than about 4-5 people. It's not he steaks that fill it up. Its the steaks and sides AND having part of the cooker as a "safety zone." That said, the 22 is also a great choice and you can find them on craigslist or facebook marketplace for 25 bucks. You can always try that and drive it for a while and see if you even miss the extra space of the 26

Thank you for your work on doing that! Which grill can shut down the coals? To save what's left of them, for reuse?

I have looked through various of you uploaded videos, I haven’t seen you do one on Blaze Kamado? I was wondering how it compared to the other ceramic Kamado’s?

great video!

@BabyBackManiac

5 жыл бұрын

Thx

I like the Mack and Myer tune there.